Ethical Policy

Ethical Standards for Human and Animal Research

Synthesis: A Multidisciplinary Research Journal is committed to ensuring that all research involving human participants, biological materials, or animal subjects adheres to the highest ethical and legal standards. Authors are expected to conduct their studies in full compliance with internationally recognized ethical guidelines and applicable institutional and national regulations.

Ethical Approval Requirements

All research that involves human participants, human-derived materials, or animals must receive prior approval from a duly constituted Institutional Review Board (IRB) or Ethics Committee.

Authors must clearly report the following within their manuscript:

  • The name of the approving ethics committee or review board

  • The ethics approval reference number

  • A statement confirming adherence to institutional, national, and international ethical standards

Failure to provide these details may result in desk rejection or requests for clarification before peer review.

Informed Consent

For studies involving human participants, authors must confirm that:

  • Written informed consent was obtained from all participants or their legally authorized representatives

  • Explicit consent for publication was obtained when identifiable information (e.g., images, case details) is included

  • Additional protections were implemented when research involved vulnerable groups, including minors, elderly individuals, or medically or socially disadvantaged populations

Authors should ensure that participant privacy and confidentiality are rigorously protected.

Animal Research Ethics

Research involving animals must comply with established ethical frameworks, such as the ARRIVE Guidelines, and relevant national regulatory requirements.

Manuscripts must include:

  • A statement affirming the ethical treatment and humane care of animal subjects

  • Descriptions of measures taken to minimize pain, distress, or harm

  • The ethical approval number and the institutional authority granting approval

Studies that do not demonstrate adherence to recognized standards of animal welfare will not be considered for publication.

Non-Compliance and Post-Publication Actions

Manuscripts lacking adequate ethical documentation, or found to fall short of ethical requirements, will be rejected or withdrawn from consideration.
Concerns raised after publication will be investigated following COPE guidelines, and may lead to:

  • Publication of corrections or expressions of concern

  • Retraction of the article

  • Notification of authors’ affiliated institutions or governing bodies

By upholding strict ethical principles, Synthesis safeguards the dignity, rights, and welfare of research subjects and reinforces its commitment to responsible, credible, and ethically grounded scholarship.